How often should you deep clean/clean your PC?

[JakeS00]

Like cleaning and removing dust from fans, the GPU, the case, cable management, etc. A video I watched talked about how you should deep clean your PC once, or even if needed, twice every two months. Is that a good time frame? What about the time frame of regular cleaning/dusting?

When should you reapply the new thermal paste on your CPU?

This is intended for gaming PCs.

[Kaneki05]

Depends really on many things but 3-6 months is the rough time. One simple thing it can depend on is where you actually put the PC. If on the floor it will need to be cleaned quicker than later.
If your a messy person again it will need to be quicker than later. Just judge yourself but don't let it go to long.

[JakeS00]

Thanks! I have it on a separate desk from my monitor. I have an air purifier which also traps dust too. But I might have to put it close to it. There are dust screens on the front and top.

[Kaneki05]

I see you came prepared lol. Then you'll probably not need to do it to early, air purifiers do help a lot. Environment is key if your in such environment were it won't build up much you can stretch the length compared to other's. Though of course dust still will build just it will be less obvious but yeah more on the later end than the early every 3 months I would say.

[JakeS00]

Yeah! About two weeks ago I took only the GPU out and did a dusting with an electric dust blower, to knock the loose dust out. I did it with the top exhaust radiator those fans that are screwed on there, the in-take front fans, and the rear exhaust. The dust build up was not too crazy, except for the mesh on the outside of the radiator fans that exhaust up. That's most likely the place I missed since I got the air purifier. Of course, we can't get rid of dust completely. I will clean it out more!

[Kaneki05]

You'll get the hang of it :) it will become natural to you as to when you think it needs to be cleaned.

[JakeS00]

Thanks!

[exitseven]

It depends on where you keep it. Usually if it exhibits symptoms of over heating it is time to blow out the dust bunnies.

[JakeS00]

I have to do that a lot more with the top exhaust radiator.

[exitseven]

That is because it draws cool air from the floor where most of the dust bunnies live.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO😎

[Slartybartfast]

One of the more common problems people had when they bring in their systems to my shop were overheating slowing down (throttling) and power supply failure caused by dust, pet hair etc.

Depending on dust lvl a good vacuuming and blow out with spray dusters every six months or so usually helps. Make sure to check the cpu , PSU and gpu fans. Don't open the Power supply, just blow it out with duster (while unplugged)
Also dust off the top of your HDD , it acts as an insulator and holds the heat in.

[Lyndsielee666]

Every three months